Davis Food Co-op

Started as a buying club in a living room in 1972, the Davis Food Co-op has grown into a full-service grocery store cooperatively owned by over 8,000 local households in Davis, CA. Initially, a group of 10 households, including Davis residents and UC Davis students, sought greater access to natural foods without supporting traditional corporations. The buying club began with bulk purchases of produce, spices, herbs, nuts, and cheese, eventually formalizing as a cooperative and moving into a storefront. Over the past 50 years, the Co-op has had over 40,000 households take part in Ownership of the cooperative.

The Co-op prioritizes environmental sustainability, a principle rooted in the third wave co-ops of the 60s and 70s. They emphasize buying local produce to ensure freshness and high quality while reducing the environmental impact of transportation and packaging. The store also focuses on offering healthful, local, and high-quality food, and values its staff by ensuring they are educated, motivated, and well-treated.

The Davis Food Co-op operates out of a 17,000 square foot store and is open 364 days a year. It serves as a community store and gathering place for both current and future owners. The Co-op acknowledges that it occupies land belonging to three federally recognized Patwin tribes and supports local organizations that promote Indigenous cultural conservation and education. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op, and anyone can become a member at any time.